Overview
There are two conditions that may cause problems with the foreskin – paraphimosis and phimosis. For both of these, it is important to seek medical help as it can become incredibly painful if left untreated, and could lead to long-term damage.
Types
Phimosis
In adults, phimosis is where the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back of the head of the penis. There are a few risk factors for this, such as ezcema, psoriasis, lichen planus, lichen slerosus and sexually transmitted infections. It can make erections painful.
Paraphimosis
The retracted foreskin can become stuck behind the head of the penis, and cannot be pulled forward again. This leaves the glans exposed and the penis may become swollen. It can be caused by infection, poor hygiene or damage.
Treatment
Frenuloplasty
An operation to modify the retraction of the foreskin in order to make it more comfortable to retract. This procedure is performed under local or general anaesthetic, usually on a day case basis.
Prepucioplasty
An operation to reconfigure the foreskin in order to make it less tight and more comfortable to retract. This procedure is performed under local or general anaesthetic, usually on a day case basis.
Circumcision
If other treatments are not successful or the urologist does not recommend them, then circumcision may be required. This will separate the foreskin from the glans, and the incision will have stitches to close it.
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